“We acknowledge that there remain complex issues on peace and security that need to be addressed. However, a purely military solution is not enough to fully solve them. Efforts to achieve genuine peace must therefore be supported by all,” he said.

Anchored on the theme “Empowering the youth, Building the nation,” the summit is an essential part of the army’s “Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan (working together for peace).”

Lt. Norman Tagros, spokesman of the army’s 8th IB, meanwhile, said the summit focused on three aspects namely ‘The Awakening Module,’ which seeks to achieve an understanding of oneself and others; ‘Nurturing Module,’ which centered on educating the youth on their role in the family; and ‘Empowering Module’ that enhances the leadership potentials of participants by introducing the principles and models of leadership, interpersonal communication skills, and anger and conflict management.

The speakers also shared the different government programs so that youth participants will be inspired on how they can become active partners in peace and progress, Tagros said.

“After the summit, participants are believed to be actively participating in ‘Bayanihan’ activities such as community activities involvement, environmental protection, and anti-illegal drugs advocacy, among others,” he said.

In an effort to give primacy to the Mindanao peace process, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Ranaw Region Bangsamoro Homeland conducted a two-day capability development seminar with its members and various constituencies in the province.

The capability development seminar on good governance and updates on the GPH-MILF peace process, with the theme “Aiming Towards Excellence in the Emerging Bangsamoro,” was held from December 22 to 23 at Noramis Function Hall, this city.

The two-day activity aimed to discuss with our constituencies the different agreements reached by the government and MILF particularly on the three annexes of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, said MILF Central Committee Second Vice Chairman Alim Ali Solaiman.

He said there is a need to educate them on the completed annexes because some are still confused if the annexes are separate from the Framework Agreement itself.

Lectures during the two-day activity include the Islamic concept of peace, good governance, difference between presidential and parliamentary form of government, gains of the GPH-MILF peace process, and the annexes on the transitional arrangements and modalities, wealth sharing, and power sharing, among others.

Solaiman said they also wanted to consult their constituents on the normalization and update them on the policing matters.

The members of the Independent Commission on Policing (ICP), he said, recently held a consultation meeting with MILF commanders.

The ICP was tasked by the GPH and MILF peace panels to conduct studies and produce recommendations on the appropriate policing for the Bangsamoro entity.

Meanwhile, Solaiman expressed appreciation to President Benigno S. Aquino III for his sincerity in achieving lasting peace and progress in Mindanao.

He also gave assurance that the MILF is committed and sincere in the peace process.

With regards to the normalization process, Solaiman hopes that the government and the MILF can work together for the control of firearms and the disbandment of private armies or other armed groups in the area.

United Nations’ recognition has never been a one-shot deal; it comes only in trickles, which are so tiny that before any of it is secured, one has to count countless efforts, time, and resources.

Anyone who thinks of getting this recognition so easily is not in the right frame of mind. Or he or she is dreaming.

Exceptions, however, are those cases that have the direct or active backing of the Big 5 in the UN namely, United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom. Even then, this is not an assured certainty. There are many cases in the past where the resolutions of the Security Council of the UN, backed up by some members of the Big 5, say Russia or US, were vetoed by other members thereof.

The accolade UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon extended to the GPH-MILF peace talks was more directed at President Benigno Aquino III for his sincere efforts to settle the Bangsamoro Question peacefully. The MILF is not a direct recipient of the praise. It has no qualm about this and accepts it as the real thing.

Ban Ki-Moon told media during a press conference: “I commend the Philippine government effort to promote peace and democracy and inclusive growth. In this context, I congratulate the Philippine government of progress in the Mindanao peace process particularly the agreement reached between parties in December,” Ban said at a joint news conference with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

“I hope a final agreement will be reached soon,” he also said.

However, the MILF feels so assuaged by the praises and lift made by the UN Secretary General. Even without stating, it means that GPH-MILF peace negotiation is in the direct radar screen of the UN. It gives the parties, not only moral support, but also more reasons to move forward quicker and finish the process soon; and more importantly, for the parties to comply faithfully with their part of the bargain. Any infraction, especially major one, will put the guilty party at a very difficult situation. It will not only be shaming and blaming that might befall to it but a more proactive “proper leverage” will be in the offing. This can come in many forms.

The housing certificates were personally handed to the soldier-beneficiaries
by Army vice commander Major Gen. Romulo M. Cabantac Jr.

“Having one’s own house to call home is everyone’s aspiration. Our men and
women in the Philippine Army share the same dream. Our activity fulfills this
great dream of our soldiers," Cabantac said.

“I want to congratulate the soldiers who were awarded these houses. I am
glad that as we celebrate Christmas, 155 of our fellow soldiers and their
families will have their own houses they call their own," he said.

[The official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Ang Bayan is issued by the CPP Central
Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis
of and standpoint on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly. It is
published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

[The official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Ang Bayan is issued by the CPP Central
Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis
of and standpoint on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly. It is
published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

[The official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Ang Bayan is issued by the CPP Central
Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis
of and standpoint on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly. It is
published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

[The official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Ang Bayan is issued by the CPP Central
Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis
of and standpoint on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly. It is
published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

All New People’s Army units in Southern Mindanao region will strictly comply with the directive of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to cease and desist from carrying out offensive operations against elements of the AFP, the PNP and the paramilitary forces of the GPH starting this midnight December 24 up to December 26 11:59pm and again during the midnight of December 31 up to January 2, 2014. This is to give way for the celebration by the region’s revolutionary forces, underground mass organizations and urban-based forces of the CPP’s 45th year anniversary inside the guerrilla zones and guerrilla bases in the countryside on December 26.

While the entire Southern Mindanao NPA regional territory pledges to abide with the CPP’s ceasefire, GPH security forces have not complied with its own ceasefire declaration. The GPH’s ceasefire is falsely packaged as more considerate due to its longer timeframe while unfairly scoffing at NPA’s declaration as inadequate and perfunctory. Reports from the field, however, reveal the GPH’s truce as illusory, treacherous and dangerous:

Prior to the GPH’s December 21 ceasefire, elements of the 67th Infantry Batallion already stationed its APC (armored personnel carrier) and two canyons in Spur 2, Brgy. Ngan, Compostela town on December 19, and since then, maintained in active mode its “peace and development teams” in Compostela, Trento, Cateel and Boston towns. Checkpoints are also being put up by the 71st IB in the barangays of Masara and Elizalde in Maco town, and Andili and Limbo in Mawab town. Last night at 7pm, December 22, elements of the 84th Infantry Battalion arrived in Marahan, Marilog district, Davao City and moved to Brgy. Ladayon in Arakan town, North Cotabato enroute to Mt. Sinaka.

These instances of forward deployment of the 10th Infantry Division-AFP units are duplicitous and offensive maneuvers in guerrilla territories. Reports of additional enemy deployment and enemy offensive actions from the field cannot be referred to as merely routine movements or cannot be dismissed as part of the GPH’s blanket declaration of “maintaining their defensive readiness in the protection of our people.”

These actions are provocative and raise the risk of armed engagements with the NPA. All NPA fighting units and the people’s militia are thus enjoined to be ever vigilant against hostile actions of enemy armed forces—from encroachment, surveillance to blatant operations— and should remain on active defensive mode, until they are forced to engage with the enemy in self-defense if the latter continues its offensive operations.

Thus, it is misleading for the GPH and the AFP to brand the NPA’s short ceasefire as merely token. In fact, the US-Aquino regime has no business claiming as peace harbingers by demanding for a longer ceasefire from the NPA when its own security forces continue its bloody rampage in the countryside and the cities against suspected revolutionaries, ordinary media men, and progressive leaders. This is the same regime that uses indiscriminately aerial bombardment by enemy helicopters to neutralize civilian communities like what happened in Maco, Maragusan towns in Compostela Valley and in Arakan, North Cotabato in the couple of weeks. It has no business demanding for a truce from the NDF when it is unable to comply with previously agreed agreements with the NDF. More importantly, the GPH cannot insist on a longer ceasefire when it can hardly lift a finger for the resumption of peace negotiations with the NDF.

Indeed, the GPH ceasefire declaration is as an exercise in futility, empty to the core. It is not only unreliable, its premise that it is in keeping with the Aquino regime’s “rebuilding” and “healing” efforts in Yolanda-ravaged Visayas region is, likewise, a badly written script. As proven in our own experience with Typhoon Pablo, the GPH will pursue its corruption-laden disaster and rehabilitation work with the fascist AFP at its helm, and will only utilize the current long ceasefire as an occasion to abuse the masses, pursue counter-revolutionary operations and stifle the movement of the populace.

From the Philippine Star (Dec 23): Word war between AFP, NPA on amid truce

The holiday truce between the government and the communist rebels did not stop them from engaging in a word war or calling each other names.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista is challenging the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to a debate after the latter described his proposal for a “ceasefire forever” as “moronic.”

“As Gen. Bautista said, if they (CPP) want, let’s have a public debate to determine who the real moron is,” Armed Forces spokesman Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. said in an interview Monday.

"The CPP-NPA (New People’s Army)-NDF (National Democratic Front) are deceiving the Filipino people on this matter,” he added.

When asked if Bautista was offended by the CPP’s statement, Tutaan said: “Actually the Chief of Staff is not offended by it. He is concerned because this just goes to show that the CPP-NPA-NDF is not really sincere in having a lasting peace.”

The government has declared a holiday ceasefire with communist rebels that took effect last Dec. 20 and will last until Jan. 15.

Before that, the CPP approved a shorter truce to be implemented from Dec. 24 to 26 and from Dec. 31 to Jan. 2.

Bautista said the rebels’ truce is too short and that he prefers to have a ceasefire that lasts forever.

The CPP, however, said Bautista’s proposal is “moronic” and could lead to abuses, environmental destruction and land-grabbing.

“To declare a ceasefire ‘to last forever’ will only bring forth an eternal hell of military abuses, land grabbing and environmental destruction,” CPP said in a statement.

The group said Bautista’s remarks reflect the military’s “inability to understand the deep-seated reasons behind the Filipino people’s armed resistance.”

Tutaan scored the rebels for their refusal to abandon the armed struggle.

“Instead of name-calling, why can’t the CPP-NPA explain to the people why it cannot have a prolonged ceasefire when it is already a fact that (there is) a very big public clamor to end armed conflict,” Tutaan said.

“The people clamor for peace. The people clamor for the end of armed conflict or violence. The people clamor for end of the burning of construction materials due to extortion activities. That’s the reason why the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) would want to have a prolonged peace,” he added.

From the MILF Website (Dec 23): BLMI conducts consultations at Kabacan, North Cotabato

The Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) conducted a two - day consultations with a title, “MILF Consultation on Promoting Public Participation on the Peace Process” held on December 11-12, 2013 at Barangay Magatos, Kabacan, North Cotabato, Bangsamoro, Philippines.

More than one hundred participants who came from the different sectoral groups of Bangsamoro in North Cotabato, Political Committees and Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces were present during the said activity.

Mike Abdula, Member of the BLMI Steering Committee explained the role of the agency in helping the MILF leadership to strengthen the awareness and participation of the entire Bangsamoro Homeland on the peace process.

In addition, the head of the Secretariat of the MILF Central Committee on Information encouraged the participants to actively participate during the consultation workshop and open forum hence the main reason of the consultation is for the MILF Central Committee to know the real sentiments as well as to give clear answers to the queries of the Bangsamoro regarding the peace process.

On his statement on the overview of the activity, the director of information in North Cotabato emphasized that his fellow Bangsamoro in the province are fortunate to be part of the very promising advocacy of BLMI that is promoting public participation on the peace process.

During the workshops, the participants were able to determine and discuss their understanding on government, territory, basic rights, Security and Shari’ah; terms that are vital in the peace process.

Furthermore, all the groups were given a chance to express their fears, issues and concerns, as well as their recommendations on the on-going GRP-MILF peace negotiations.

On his message, BLMI Executive Director Ustadz Mahmod Ahmad stressed the importance of sharing Aqueeda Islamia to every Bangsamoro. He emphasized that every Bangsamoro has a great role in order that genuine peace and unity will reign in the Bangsamoro homeland.

The facilitation of the two-day activity was spearheaded by the BLMI working force; Ustadz Mahmod Ahmad, Kris T. Yano, Mike Abdula, etc. Other BLMI support Staff and members of information committee also extended their services during the workshops.

From the Daily Tribune (Dec 24): AFP urges disgruntled members to use grievance system over medal mess

The Armed Forces of the Philippines yesterday urged its members questioning some of the AFP Day awardees, who were involved in the calibrated response against the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Nur Misuari faction in Zamboanga City, to use the military grievance system instead of going to the media to air their concerns.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP-Public Affairs Office chief, lashed out at the AFP members quoted by The Tribune questioning the Distinguish Conduct Star (DCS) awards given to some officers supposedly not involved in actual combat during the 21-day siege, for airing their concerns to the media without using the internal mechanism.

“They should use our internal grievance mechanism... now, if the mechanism does not work or they were not satisfied with the facts, they can file their complaints,” said Zagala.

“Any AFP personnel who have complaints — whether regarding assignments, awards and anything that involves yourself and the organization, we encourage first they use the grievance system in order for us to correct rather than complaining outside first,” Zagala added.

Zagala also expressed belief that those questioning the awardees could have not the right facts.

“They made their perceptions without knowing the facts...they made sweeping statements,” he said.

The AFP official maintained that the awards given by the AFP went through the process.

“They (all awardees) were recommended by the division...and were deliberated by the board,” Zagala said.

Zagala told The Tribune that as of press time yesterday no one formally questioned the awards.

“No one use the grievance system. If you wish to question certain awards, you can go to the board,” he said.

The AFP leadership cited more than 2,000 personnel for their involvement in the military’s calibrated response against the MNLF-Nur Misuari faction in Zamboanga City from Sept. 9 to Sept. 29. The operation resulted in the safe rescue of 195 hostages and the killing of more than 200 MNLF fighters.

The Tribune on Friday and Saturday came out with stories, quoting military sources, questioning the awarding of DCS, the second highest military combat award next to the coveted Medal for Valor, to some officers supposedly were not involved in the actual combat in Zamboanga City.

The awarding of DCS and other military recognitions were among the highlights of the 78th founding anniversary celebration of the AFP last Friday.

The Tribune sources particularly questioned the awarding of DCS to the officers, whom they claimed, were not even in the frontline during the 21-day siege.

From the Business Mirror (Dec 23): Fishermen’s group scores DOJ silence on construction of US mini-naval base

THE Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Sunday chided Justice Secretary Leila de Lima for her silence on the reported construction of a mini-naval base for US troops in Palawan.

De Lima had been asked by the group to look into the plan of the Armed Forces to build a base on Oyster Bay more than three months ago.

Pamalakaya Vice Chairman Salvador France said de Lima has not come up with a response to the group’s letter dated October 7 that was received by her office on the same day.

The Department of National Defense has announced that a total of five bidders have been declared eligible to bid for two projects to upgrade the Navy’s detachment on Oyster Bay, which is facing the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The plan to construct a mini-naval base is expected to enhance the external defense capability of the Armed Forces at the West Philippine Sea, particularly in the Spratly Group of Islands, which is being disputed by the Philippines and China.

The mini-naval base project in Oyster Bay is part of the US agenda to increase its military presence in the Philippines on rotational basis, France said.

“It is designed to host warships of Washington not only to check the disturbing presence of Chinese military on West Philippine Sea but to preserve the military hegemony of the US in East Asia and the Pacific in the name of military program known as US Pivot in Asia,” France added.

In seeking a Department of Justice investigation on the mini-naval base project for US troops on Oyster Bay, Pamalakaya cited the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which strictly prohibits foreign military bases in the country.

Pamalakaya also added that the impact of Oyster Bay naval base project to the livelihood of fishermen and the marine environment is “far reaching, extremely dangerous and totally catastrophic.”

The group said Oyster Bay is well recognized by the international community as a very rich area in marine biodiversity and any plan to alter or change the nature of the bay will have adverse impact on the livelihood of the fishermen in the area.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista challenged the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to a public debate to find out the "real moron."

This, after the communists tagged as "moronic" an earlier statement of Bautista that they should have declared a ceasefire that "lasts forever."

Last Wednesday, the CPP said it would declare a Christmas ceasefire that would cover Dec. 24, 25, 26, 31, Jan. 1 and 2. Last year, the rebels’ truce was from Dec. 20 to Jan. 15.

For its part, the government announced a ceasefire or Suspension of Offensive Military Operation (SOMO) from Dec. 21 up to Jan. 15. The government truce is shorter compared to last year, which started Dec. 16 and lasted up to Jan. 15.

"General Bautista said if they (CPP) want, let’s have a public debate to determine who the real moron is. They should answer why they do not want a prolonged ceasefire or prolonged cessation of hostilities," AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan said.

He said Bautista is not offended by the term used by the Reds.

"He (Bautista) is concerned because this just goes to show that the CPP-NPA-NDF is not really sincere in having a just a lasting peace," Tutaan said.

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 23): No Christmas at home for soldiers

While others are celebrating Christmas Day with their families, members of
the Philippine Army, are in the field and combat zones to protect the state and
its people.

They may not be with you to celebrate Christmas Day or New Year's eve,
because of their mandate to maintain peace and order, but their thoughts are
always with you”, Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3 rd Infantry Division commander
said, in his Christmas message, to the families of 3ID soldiers.

Baladad lauded the 3ID soldiers involved in the relief and rescue operations
in the typhoon Yolanda aftermath, and whose families are also typhoon victims.

The 3ID soldiers are stationed in Negros and Panay
islands.

While he may not personally reach all soldiers, especially those stationed
in isolated military outposts, Baladad said he hopes that his message through
the media will reach them. He also expressed his gratitude to them for the
sacrifices they make to protect the people from lawlessness.

With all the challenges, Baladad said, “ We should celebrate Christmas day
in the spirit of unity”.

With the suspension of military operations by government and communist rebel
group, the Philippine Army in Western Visayas
is hopeful that it will be a peaceful yuletide celebrations.

While most families will celebrate the yuletide season being together, soldiers
out in the field also intend to be part of yearly family bonding activity –
thanks to the Internet and other forms of social media.

Barring signal problems, soldier-fathers can now communicate with their
families through Skype video call, or cellular phone.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, 7th Civil Relations Group (CRG) commander, was
among those who spearheaded the collection of gifts for the soldiers.

He said that he started the "Saludo Package" project in 2012
through his Facebook friends.

“My FB friends had always expressed their intent to provide support for the
soldiers who are in the frontlines. Having experienced the hard life in the
distant posts, I was motivated to gather all these donations and send them to
the soldiers in the field,” Cabunoc stressed.

The recent donations were forwarded to the Marine unit which has operational
control over the troopers deployed in the nine reefs and islets claimed by the Philippines.

The 7th CRG intends to send at least one box of assorted goods to every
territory that is guarded by the soldiers.

Sometime in August 2013, Cabunoc used his FB account to float the idea of
sending Christmas gifts for the military personnel stationed to protect the
Philippine territories in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

He said that Filipinos from all corners of the globe promptly replied to
send their pledges.

“We received donations from OFWs who are working in the US, Germany,
Australia, Japan and the Middle East.
This is on top of the donations sent by Manila-based Pinoys who also wanted to
show their appreciation for the service of our soldiers,” Cabunoc said.

Initially, three "balikbayan" boxes were sent for soldiers
guarding Ayungin shoal and Rizal reef. Another box intended for Lawak reef is
now gradually filled with assorted goods.

Priscilla Sheppard of Australia
also sent donations through a courier service which would be arriving after
Christmas.

“Please let the soldiers know that a friend from Down Under appreciates
their service,” said Sheppard in her FB message.

Meanwhile, Georgio Dano of New
York, sent cash donation intended to buy provisions.
He said that he will convince more people to support the project.

“I will forward the story to some officer friends of mine in the United
States Navy. I've always been helping the Armed Forces here and abroad,” said
Dano, a native of CebuCity, in his FB message.

Cabunoc said that aside from the "Saludo Package", he has also
started the "Equip a Soldier" program this year.Five soldiers from
the Army Scout Ranger, Philippine Marine Corps and the Philippine Air Force had
received US made tactical boots that can last longer during foot patrols in the
rugged terrain of the country.

Philippine Army (PA) personnel led by Lt. Gen. Noel A. Coballes witnessed
the donning of ranks of four newly-promoted generals during the flag raising
ceremony at Army headquarters in FortBonifacio, TaguigCity Monday morning.

Donned with their second stars were Major Generals Ricardo R. Visaya and
Yerson E. Depayso.

Visaya is the commander of the 4th Infantry Division and a member of
Philippine Military Academy Class (PMA) of 1983; while Depayso is the head of
the 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army and belongs to PMA Class of 1981.

Given their first stars were Brig. Gens. Reynaldo G. Mutiangpili, commander
of the 52nd Engineering Brigade and Henry G. Sabarre, Commander of the 703rd
Brigade, 7th Infantry Division.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Northern Luzon Command chief
and a member of PMA Class of 1981 received his third star.

Instead of calling Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen.
Emmanuel T. Bautista proposal to go on prolonged ceasefire during the Yuletide
Season moronic, the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army
(CPP-NPA) should give pertinent reasons to the public why it refuses to do so.

But AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan on Monday said he does not
expect the rebels to honor this call as doing so would cut down their extortion
activities.

"The NPA is there if there is extortion, the NPA is there if there is
other criminal activities," he added.

"They would be losing a lot of money if they would do that," the
AFP spokesperson stressed.

Tutaan also scored the NPA's decision to only go on a four-day ceasefire for
the Christmas holidays as the Philippines
celebrates the longest Christmas Season in the world.

"The CPP-NPA has said that in declaring (a four-day) ceasefire is in
keeping with the Filipino tradition of observing the holiday season but the
(Philippines) celebration of the Yuletide is pretty long and considered to be
longest in the world," he added.

The AFP spokesperson also dismisses the CPP-NPA's claims that by laying down
their arms, the masses will have no one to defend them against oppression.

"Where were they (NPA) during the (height of Supertyphoon 'Yolanda' in
Nov. 8 in Eastern Visayas and the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the Central Visayas). They were not there. They were only
present when there are extortion and criminal activities," Tutaan
stressed.

He added that the military, whom the rebels always accused of being
anti-poor, were always in the frontlines helping the people recover from the
ill-effects of these natural disasters.

Tutaan also called NPA claims that muzzling their guns will mean the
surrender of the peace.

"They are (the ones) who is disrupting peace actually, so given the
reasons by the CPP-NPA of not declaring a prolonged ceasefire, specifically for
four days only who is now the moron, people (nationwide) clamor for peace, the
people clamor for the end of armed conflict or violence, the people clamor for
end of burning of construction materials due to extortion activities so that is
the reason why the AFP would want to have a prolonged peace," the AFP
spokesperson concluded.

A senior Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader who tried to resist arrest in Sitio
Luwas, Barangay Nuknukan, Parang town, was killed in a shootout on Monday with
operatives of the Sulu Provincial Police.

The slain ASG leader was identified as Fraser Hajan.

The encounter between authorities and the ASG leader took place around 1:15
a.m.

Police were out to arrest the suspect based on the two arrest warrants
issued by Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 46 Presiding Judge Erlinda Uy.

Hajan is wanted for several counts of kidnapping and other crimes.

Instead of cooperating with authorities, the suspect fired at the arresting
police, prompting the latter to retaliate and resulted in the wounding of
Hajan, who later died while being rushed at a local hospital.

Recovered from the suspect was a .45 caliber pistol, two magazines with 14
rounds of ammunition, a Nokia RM-55 cellphone, spy camera, four hearing aids
and suspected Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) documents.

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 23): New soldiers receive firearms from gov't

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City -– The local government
here has entrusted firearms to 93 newly accepted private soldiers in a
ceremonial turnover last week, the military said today, Monday.

Capt. Christian Uy, spokesperson of the Army’s Public Affairs Division here,
said that the local government unit was represented by provincial board member
Grace Acain of Misamis Oriental.

He said that Acain handed over the firearms to newly accepted members of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with a rank of private as a symbol that
the military was created to secure the local government unit.

Uy said the soldiers should use their firearms to protect the civilian
community and the rights of the people as part of the mandate of the AFP.

The AFP core duty is to protect the Filipino people and safeguard the
national integrity ad sovereignty while the Philippine Army trains forces for
combat operations in order to maintain a stable peace and order condition of
the community, Uy added.

Brig. Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division,
also reminded the new soldiers to observe the highest form of discipline at all
times.

“We are not here wearing this uniform because we are born to be soldiers but
because we chose to be one,” Visaya said.

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18): (YEARENDER) Philippine Army: One of the first responders in 'Yolanda' disaster

Aside from its usual national security role, the Philippine Army was among
the first responders or agencies that gave prompt assistance to the people of
Tacloban City, Leyte and other parts of the Visayas who were severely affected
by the onslaught of super typhoon "Yolanda" last Nov. 8.

According to Capt. Anthony Bacus, Army spokesperson, the PA deployed 155
military vehicles and 4,000 soldiers to render humanitarian assistance and
disaster response efforts in Tacloban and other typhoon-affected areas.

He said that major units coming from the 10th and 4th Infantry Divisions
based in Mindanao sent battalions of
carpenter-soldiers to help rebuild schools, hospitals and other government
buildings severely damaged by the super typhoon.

Bacus added that water search and rescue (WASAR)– capable and collapsed
structure search and rescue (CSSR)– capable teams from the 525th Engineering
Battalion were also deployed to Tacloban.

Troopers from the 48th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division; 80th
Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division and the 1st Special Forces Battalion
were also sent as augmentation forces.

The PA spokesperson said that medical teams from the Army GeneralHospital
had also been deployed, as well as two squads from the Civil Military
Operations with their loud speakers and communication electronics and
information assets.

Aside from these units, a Philippine Army Relief Center was established at
the PA Wellness Center (Army Gym in FortBonifacio, TaguigCity)
with Civic-Military Operations Group as the unit responsible for the collection
and repacking of relief items.

Besides the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, the PA
also conducted "Operation Linis/Coastal Clean-Up" and tree planting
activities with full multi-sectoral participation.

Aside from humanitarian missions, the PA also demonstrated its capability of
defending the country against aggression when it repelled rouge Moro National
Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters who attacked and occupied parts of ZamboangaCity last September.

Fifteen Army soldiers, including three officers, died while defending and
liberating ZamboangaCity from this unprovoked
assault.

"Though the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the PA in particular,
successfully performed its mandate, it had to bear the loss caused by the death
of these brave warriors. After almost three weeks of fighting, the rogue MNLF
fighters under Nur Misuari surrendered. The calibrated response done by the
Army to protect the non-combatants which further led to the rescue of 195
hostages was considered as one of the most successful rescue missions in (its)
history," Bacus said.

During the year 2013, Army engineers also completed various infrastructure
and development projects in different parts of the country.

"Both Headquarters Philippine Army and major subordinate units also
continued to pursue various environmental protection operations as a regular
part of their current missions. There were also tree planting activities,
anti-illegal logging efforts, anti-illegal fishing drives, and environmental
protection projects," Bacus stressed.

A number of bilateral activities were facilitated since January, notable of
which were the conduct of the United States-Philippines "Balikatan
2013," Planning Conferences/Site Surveys/Meetings/Visits for the
AFP-hosted 16th Malaysian-Philippine Military Cooperation Working Group, and
Training Activity Land Malaysia-Philippines.

PA personnel were also deployed in different mission areas either as part of
the United Nations Peacekeeping contingent or as UN peacekeeping staff and
military observers at UN outposts in Ivory Coast,
East Timor, Haiti, India/Pakistan, Liberia,
South Sudan and Syria.

On Nov. 29, the PA sent off the 7th Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights composed of 336 Army personnel.

With the conduct of successful operations, the Army was able to weaken and
decrease the manpower of the New People's Army (NPA) to an estimated 4,000 in
2012.

To date, 29 provinces were declared free from communist influence, with
three more provinces to be turned over to the local government units within the
year.

Army units also isolated the Abu Sayyaf Group’s (ASG) area of operation. Its
armed strength also declined with the confiscation of many firearms of the
bandit group.

There was also a decrease in violent activities perpetrated by the ASG
because of the intensified conduct of military operations by government forces.

Meanwhile, the signing of the Framework Agreement of the Bangsamoro is
considered as one of the major breakthroughs for the Government of the Philippines and
the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF) peace panels after 15 years of
negotiating peace.

"Once it detects a suspicious contact, our AW-109s can fly over the
target and inspect it. Or it can call its mother ship and request for a RHIB
(rigid-hull inflatable boat) to conduct a board-and-search operation,"
Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said in Filipino.

He added that the AW-109s can do this mission even at night-time thanks to
its FLIR and night vision equipment.

FLIR means forward looking infrared.

It uses an imaging technology that senses infrared radiation.

The sensors installed in forward-looking infrared cameras—as well as those
of other thermal imaging cameras—use detection of infrared radiation, typically
emitted from a heat source (thermal radiation), to create a "picture"
assembled for video output.

Another two AW-109s are expected to arrive during the first quarter of 2014.

The AW-109 "Power" helicopter is a three-ton class eight seat
helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.

The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular
equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.

The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual
hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and
cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.

The AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin
helicopter for maritime missions.

It's superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and
ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective maritime helicopter in its
class.

For shipboard operations the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear
and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.

The ability to operate from small ships in high sea state enables the AW-109
to perform its mission when many other helicopters would be confined to the
ship’s hangar.

Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have
been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers
in almost 50 countries.

The Philippine Army displayed last week in Camp Aguinaldo the 2 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), a public admission that it has been using drones in its operations.

Army spokesperson Captain Anthony Bacus said they started developing the drones in 2012 thanks to a funding of P2.5 million. It's part of the Army's capability upgrade under the Army Transformation Roadmap, according to Army spokesperson Captain Anthony Bacus.

"The UAS had been instrumental in the successful conduct of operations against the rogue MNLF rebels in Zamboanga City last September that led to the surrender and arrest of several MNLF fighters under Nur Misuari," said Bacus.

They will be also be useful in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

"The Army came up with this UAS to boost our capability, especially in this aspect. We are able to get video footage without risking the life of an individual," said Bacus.

The Army's first drone, called Raptor, costs P150,000. The second drone, called Knight Falcon, costs P300,000.

Drones provide real-time imagery intelligence and video feed from a particular area with a range of 3 km to 7 km and can extend up to 50 km, said Bacus.

Bacus said the drones can last one to 3 hours. "We are able to get necessary information from enemy camps," he said.

Bacus said they are now developing a 3rd drone, an enhanced version of the Raptor and Knight Falcon.

Not for attacks?

The Department of National Defense also recently invited bidders who can supply the miiltary with 6 sets of drones. (READ: PH military to acquire drones)

It is among 4 items in the P684-million contract for the Marine Forces Imagery and Targeting Support System (MITSS) Acquisition Project for the Philippines Marine Corps.

Drones have become controversial largely because of allegations the US has deployed its own in Philippine territory and used them to attack terrorists. A New York Times story last year said the US drones dropped bombs in Mindanao in 2006.